NBCU and DirecTV FAST deal
NBCU is adding streaming channels to the MyFree DirecTV service. Channels include Bravo Vault, NBC GolfPass, Oxygen True Crime Archives, Real Housewives Vault, SNL Vault, and Dateline 24/7. Eight FAST channels are now available with four more news and sports channels coming soon. NBCU has been busy lately cutting FAST deals with multiple services. Recently, the company added 40 FAST Channels on LG Channels, reality shows and local news channels on Plex, and 18 FAST channels on Fubo. MyFree DirecTV now offers over 100 free live channels, on-demand shows and movies.
The Circana Take:
- NBCU ramped up expansion in the FAST space using partnerships like this to help monetize traditional catalog cable programming. Notably, FAST continued to grow rapidly with 68% of homes reporting usage.
Samsung and MMA team up
Samsung is launching two FAST channels on Samsung TV Plus featuring live mixed martial arts events later this month. Their partnership with Combate Global is he first for Samsung to deliver live combat sports programs on Samsung TV Plus. The new channels will be the exclusive home for live events presented by Combate. Samsung TV Plus reported the service has more than 700 channels and 88m monthly active users (MAU).
The Circana Take:
- As the FAST space becomes increasingly crowded, services need to offer unique content to differentiate. This deal is another example of Samsung expanding their exclusive content offering, an uphill battle for a service not linked to a content supplier like Paramount (Pluto TV) or Xumo (NBCU).
CNN to launch non-news service
CNN is preparing to launch a non-news subscription service later this year focusing on features and lifestyle content, although the details are vague. CNN is looking for new ways to attract viewers as its viewership dipped the last few years. It remains to be seen whether this new service outlives its predecessor CNN+, which shut down in 2022 only three weeks after debuting.
The Circana Take:
- As more people abandon traditional cable subscriptions, it becomes vital to maintain a successful digital footprint. This new subscription product could help revive CNN, although its uncharted territory highlighting content other than news.